ISB PGP YL Selection Criteria 2026: ISB PGP YL (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders) is an innovative and high demand full-time management programme provided by the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. The programme delivery focuses on integrating elements such as leadership, analytics, strategy and practical business skills for accelerating your professional career development immediately following entry into this programme.
Here, we provide information about eligibility criteria, selection process, interview details, accepted entrance examination, and more details to apply for admission into the 2026 intake.
ISB PGP YL Selection Criteria 2026
ISB PGP YL is a full-time management program lasting 20 months, for candidates who have a maximum of 24 months of relevant experience. The ISB PGP YL is comparable in both breadth and depth to an MBA, and emphasizes the development of solid fundamentals of business, strategic thought and leadership. (isb.edu)
Download ISB PGP YL Brochure PDF
ISB PGP YL Eligibility Criteria 2026
To apply for the 2026–28 batch, candidates must satisfy certain basic requirements. These criteria ensure that applicants have the foundational academic background and aptitude for this rigorous programme. Check the table below for ISB PGP YL 2026 eligibility criteria:
Category | Requirement |
Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised institution. |
Work Experience | Up to 24 months of full-time experience as of June 15 of the joining year. |
Test Scores Required | Valid GMAT, GRE, or CAT 2025 scores. |
English Proficiency | TOEFL/IELTS if prior instruction was not in English. |
ISB YL Program Selection Process
To get selected at ISB, candidates' application is reviewed through multiple steps, including academic performance, leadership skills, personal qualities, and career goals. The Admissions Committee evaluates their complete profile to understand your potential, not just your exam scores. Check below the step-by-step process:
Stage 1: Application Submission
Candidates must complete the online application form and upload all required documents. This includes academic details, test scores, essays, and recommendations. Applicants from families with an annual income below INR 18 lakhs can also apply for need-based scholarships after submitting the application.
Stage 2: Application Verification
The admissions team verifies the accuracy and completeness of the submitted application within 20 days. Documents such as identity proof, transcripts, and certificates are checked carefully. If anything is missing or incorrect, candidates are given 3 days to fix it before the application is marked as “Verified.”
Stage 3: Shortlisting for Interview
Only verified applications are evaluated at this stage. The evaluation is holistic and considers academics, test scores, achievements, essays, and recommendations. Candidates who meet the required profile standards are shortlisted for the interview stage.
Stage 4: Interview Process
Shortlisted candidates appear for an interview, either online via Zoom or in person at selected cities. Interviews are around 30 minutes long and conducted by faculty, alumni, and senior staff. Candidates also write two short essays during the interview as part of the assessment.
Stage 5: Admissions Committee Review
After interviews, each application is reviewed again along with interview feedback. The Admissions Committee, made up of faculty and alumni, conducts a final evaluation. Based on this review, decisions are made on offering admission.
Stage 6: Decision Notification
Final admission decisions are shared with candidates via email. These updates follow the official timelines mentioned for each application round. Candidates can also track updates through the application portal.
Stage 7: Scholarship Decision
Candidates shortlisted for scholarships may be invited for a separate online essay and interview. Scholarships can be merit-based or merit-cum-need-based. The Scholarship Committee reviews applications and communicates the final decision directly to selected candidates.
ISB YL Program Interview Process
IsB YL interview plays a important in the final selection. It tests candidates' leadership potential, communication skills, goals, and fit with ISB’s learning environment.
Aspect | Details |
Format | Virtual (Zoom) or in-person at tier-1 cities. |
Duration | ~30 minutes. |
Panel | Faculty members, alumni, and senior admissions staff. |
On-Spot Essays | Candidates are required to write two short essays during the interview. |
Focus Areas | Leadership mindset, problem-solving, career vision, motivation & goals. |
What the Interview Assesses:-
- Candidates ability to articulate your goals and motivation for applying.
- Candidates leadership potential or early signs of leadership even if not in formal positions.
- How well candidates think laterally and reflect on experiences in essays.
MBA Entrance Exams for ISB PGP YL Program
ISB accepts multiple entrance exams for the YL programme. This gives you flexibility depending on your strengths.
Entrance Exam | Accepted for PGP YL 2026 | Notes |
GMAT (test centre based) | Yes | Valid scores from a test centre are required |
GRE (test centre based) | Yes | Valid scores from a test centre are required |
CAT 2025 | Yes | Only CAT 2025 scores are accepted for the 2026 entry |
Online / at-home versions | No | These versions are not accepted for the programme |
Key Tips:-
- Candidates may submit unofficial scores initially if their official score isn’t ready yet, but official scores must be sent before the final deadline.
- No single test is preferred, and ISB evaluates all exams equally.
Application Deadlines for ISB PGP YL 2026
ISB typically operates in two application rounds to give applicants flexibility in timing. Check the table below for ISB PGP YL application deadlines 2026:
Round | Application Deadline | Interview Timeline | Decision Deadline |
Round 1 | December 14, 2025 | Feb–Mar 2026 | Mid-March 2026 |
Round 2 | February 22, 2026 | April 2026 | Mid-May 2026 |
Note: Applications received after February 22, 2026 will not be considered for the 2026–28 batch.
What ISB Looks For
ISB selects candidates who demonstrate potential beyond academics. Key qualities valued include:
- Academic consistency and intellectual curiosity
- Leadership mindset and initiative
- Creative and lateral thinking
- Personal impact and contributions
ISB PGP YL Scholarships and Financial Support
ISB offers scholarships to deserving candidates, including:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: awarded based on excellence.
- Merit-cum-Need Scholarships: For talent and financial need.
- ISB Develop India Scholarship: For impactful career goals.
Up to 40-50% of the cohort may receive financial support to pursue the programme.
ISB PGP YL Selection Criteria 2026: Conclusion
ISB PGP YL Selection Criteria 2026 combines eligibility requirements, a multi-stage admissions process, interviews, exams, and a complete evaluation to build a diverse and high-potential class. Understanding each part of this process, from eligibility to interview, will help candidates prepare a strong application and improve their chances of admission.
